Lesson 5: The Power of Observation
Attention
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able
- Explain the power of observation
- Explain how observation will inform their practice
- Discuss the importance of the principles of child development and learning
Teaching
Observation is intentionality for decision making. It is the foundation for how we work with children and families. From our observations we are able to:
- assess where children are at developmentally and can respond to them in an effective, appropriate way.
- create goals and make plans to assist children in achieving them.
- plan our environments and activities.
- understand better the social and cultural contexts of our families in which the children live.
- reflect upon our own teaching practices.
Of course this is a broadened short list of how observations impact our practice, but you get the idea…..it is important!
Throughout this course you will be doing three kinds of observations: anecdotal, running record and checklist. These observations will help you in creating (and implementing) an activity. The goal here is to understand the importance of observations and how it will impact your practice as an early childhood educator. Read the following supporting material for this lesson.
- Our Proud Heritage-observation
- DAP – Core considerations (p. 9-10) and Principles of child development and learning that inform practice (p. 10-16)
Assessment
Lesson 5 Quiz
1. Choose three key factors in which you believe observations are important to your work as a practicum student. Why did you chose these factors and why are they so important?
0 Points Did not provide explanation |
15 Points Only provided one reason. Explanation is short and does not provide details from the readings. |
30 Points Only provided two reasons. Explanations have some detail from the readings. |
45 Points Provided three reasons. Explanations are clear and include solid details from the readings. |
|
1 Point |
2 Points |
5 Points |
2. How will each of the factors you chose impact your early education practice? Be specific with examples.
0 Points Did not provide any explanations |
15 Points Explained very little about the impact this will have on your practice and/or did not provide any examples of implementation |
30 Points Provided a short explanation about how your practice will be affected. Explanation provided a few examples of implementation. |
45 Points Explained in clear detail how the knowledge will impact your practice. Explanation provided several examples of implementation |
|
1 Points |
2 Points |
5 Points |
Possible Class Discussion A
Do you have experience in observing young children? If so, share a brief observation and how it impacted your practice with that child (or children).
Possible Class Discussion B
Which principle of child development and learning do you feel most passionate about and why? This requires more than a brief answer…..be thorough.